Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF₆) Emission Estimates for China: An Inventory for 1990–2010 and a Projection to 2020

Abstract

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) is the most potent greenhouse gas regulated under the Kyoto Protocol, with a high global warming potential. In this study, SF₆ emissions from China were inventoried for 1990–2010 and projected to 2020. Results reveal that the highest SF₆ emission contribution originates from the electrical equipment sector (about 70%), followed by the magnesium production sector, the semiconductor manufacture sector and the SF₆ production sector (each about 10%). Both agreements and discrepancies were found in comparisons of our estimates with previously published data. An accelerated growth rate was found for Chinese SF₆ emissions during 1990–2010. Because the relative growth rate of SF₆ emissions is estimated to be much higher than those of CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O, SF₆ will play an increasing role in greenhouse gas emissions in China. Global contributions from China increased rapidly from 0.9 ± 0.3% in 1990 to 22.8 ± 6.3% in 2008, making China one of the crucial contributors to the recent growth in global emissions. Under the examined Business-as-usual (BAU) Scenario, projected emissions will reach 4270 ± 1020 t in 2020, but a reduction of about 90% of the projected BAU emissions would be obtained under the Alternative Scenario